FISHKILL, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Niagara Purple Eagles face the Manhattan Jaspers on Friday evening at Dutchess Stadium in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference matchup.

Niagara (22-16-1) enters the game following a 1-0, 10-inning victory against Rider on Sunday. Gage Wheaton, who earned the win in that game, is a key pitcher to watch. Over his past four starts, Wheaton has allowed two earned runs across 21 1/3 innings, striking out 15. He threw 7 innings of seven-hit shutout ball against Rider.

Manhattan (17-25) is coming off a 7-2 win at NJIT on Tuesday. Shortstop Ryan Lordier went 3 for 5 with two RBIs in that game. Over his past 10 games, Lordier has recorded multiple hits in six contests, including a 4-for-5, three-RBI performance at Dartmouth on May 2.

The Jaspers have dropped five of their last seven games. Niagara has won six of its last seven.

The weather forecast calls for 59-degree temperatures and cloudy skies at game time.

An Interstat game simulator projects an 8-4 Niagara victory.

The teams meet again Saturday and Sunday at the same site.